A good introduction to football, with simple colorful illustrations and written from a young boy's perspective. This book would be good for someone unfamiliar with the game or who needs to explain the game to her husband or wife or out of or from another country. Features players from all the teams in action shots which at times are very funny. ( )

MY FIRST BOOK OF FOOTBALL by Beth Bugler and Mark Bechtel is a fun way to introduce buddying sports fans to the world of NFL football.

Published by Time Inc. Books and Sports Illustrated Kids, this colorful picture book will attract even the most reluctant reader. Following the four quarters of a game, the book features photographs of NFL players, coaches, and officials. Readers follow a young cartoon football player who follows the action and learns about the game.

From explaining basic vocabulary such as scrimmage to identifying the parts of the playing field, this well-designed book introduces and reinforces key concepts to young readers.

From the large font and speech bubbles to the bright colored background and action photos of players, children will be drawn into the informational narrative. A bit of humor enhances the appeal.

Librarians will find a large audience for this first book in the new A Rookie Book series. Although no female characters are represented, young sports fans aren’t likely to complain. However, librarians creating a sports display might want to seek out a companion book with a female character.

Published by Time Inc. Books and Sports Illustrated Kids in Fall 2015. ARC courtesy of publisher. ( )